Mentat vs Helix Editor: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mentat and Helix Editor comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Mentat
AI coding assistant for terminal
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • You need ai coding features specifically
- • Mentat is an AI coding assistant that works within your terminal
- • It edits code across files using GPT-4 with context awareness
Helix Editor
A post-modern, modal text editor built in Rust for the terminal.
Best for you if:
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • Modal text editor with multiple selections/cursors.
- • Integrates Tree-sitter for advanced syntax analysis and LSP for IDE features.
| At a Glance |  Mentat |  Helix Editor |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | AI Coding | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 78/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Mentat | Helix Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AI CodingTerminal Tools | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both Mentat and Helix Editor solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Mentat positions itself as "ai coding assistant for terminal" while Helix Editorfocuses on "a post-modern, modal text editor built in rust for the terminal.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Mentat
Mentat makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 78/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Helix Editor
Helix Editor is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Mentat lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Mentat
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Mentat handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Mentat
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Mentat
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Mentat is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Mentat higher (78/100). But the community has upvoted Helix Editor more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Mentat Does Better
- Higher overall score (78/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Helix Editor If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Mentat (78/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Mentat scores higher in our analysis, but Helix Editor might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mentat or Helix Editor better?
Based on our analysis, Mentat scores higher with 78/100. Mentat isfree while Helix Editor is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Mentat to Helix Editor easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Mentat and Helix Editor offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Mentat is completely free.Helix Editor is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.